Before announcing Camila Cabello's big win of the evening, the Queen of Pop launched into a personal story about her connection to the Queen of Soul, revealing she once successfully auditioned to join another artist on tour by singing Franklin's classic "(You Make Me Feel Like) a Natural Woman."

"None of this would have happened — could have happened — without our Lady of Soul. She led me to where I am today," Madonna explained. "And I know she influenced so many people in this house night. In this room tonight. And I want to thank you, Aretha, for empowering all of us."

Naturally, Twitter jumped on Madonna, accusing her of making the moment about herself rather than delivering a proper tribute for the icon, who passed away August 16. As it turns out, however, Madonna was never supposed to deliver a tribute, and her speech was not meant to serve as a traditional eulogy, either.

On social media, the artist explained that the speech was simply a last minute request from MTV for her to share a personal anecdote about Franklin's impact on her.

"Just to clarify: I was asked to present video of the year by MTV! And then they asked me to share any anecdotes I had in my career connected to Aretha Franklin," Madonna wrote.

"I shared a part of my journey and thanked Aretha for inspiring me along the way," she continued. "I did not intend to do a tribute to her! That would be impossible in 2 minutes with all the noise and tinsel of an award show. I could never do her justice in this context or environment."